Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Tuesday, Jan 6 2026 UPDATED 9:30 AM +++ +++ +

Morning Briefing: Today's News Summaries Tuesday, Jan 6 2026 UPDATED 9:30 AM CDC Limits Some Childhood Vaccines, Urges Shared Decision-Making The New York Times reported that immunization against six illnesses — hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, influenza, and RSV — will be recommended only for some high-risk groups or after consultation with a health care provider. The update, made without expert input, was derided by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is a doctor from Louisiana, and epidemiologists. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/cdc-limits-some-childhood-vaccines-urges-shared-decision-making/ Federal Judge Lets HHS Share Some Info On Medicaid Enrollees With ICE AP points out that the decision limits that data, though, to basic biographical information. Other news is on the 340B drug discount program, expanded cervical cancer screenings, new nutrition guidelines, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/federal-judge-lets-hhs-share-some-info-on-medicaid-enrollees-with-ice/ In A First, Pill Version Of Wegovy Goes On Sale Nationwide For $149 The weight loss pill is now available at pharmacies and via telehealth, and drugmaker Novo Nordisk has pledged to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, some lots of injectable Wegovy have been recalled due to contaminants in the prefilled syringe. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/in-a-first-pill-version-of-wegovy-goes-on-sale-nationwide-for-149/ Calif. Teachers May Out Kids To Family, Judge Says; Appeals Court Delays Order “California public schools ... are not First Amendment-free zones,” U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez wrote in his ruling. “Religious teachers face an unlawful choice between sacrificing their faith and sacrificing their teaching position.” The state appealed the decision the day it was issued. Other news from around the nation comes from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, and Connecticut. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/calif-teachers-may-out-kids-to-family-judge-says-appeals-court-delays-order/ Medical Examiners Association Warns Stillbirth Test Akin To Witch Trials The centuries-old forensic lung float test, in which a baby's lungs are placed in a jar of water to see if they float (indicating that the baby had taken its first breaths), has long been criticized as junk science. Experts warn the test could be "more dangerous than useful." https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/medical-examiners-association-warns-stillbirth-test-akin-to-witch-trials/ Erythritol Found To Wreak Havoc On Blood Vessels, Elevating Stroke Risk The artificial sweetener is commonly used in diet drinks, low-calorie popsicles, and keto-friendly protein bars, The Baltimore Sun reports. Plus, news about eyelid lifts, digital detox efforts, and more. https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/erythritol-found-to-wreak-havoc-on-blood-vessels-elevating-stroke-risk/ Viewpoints: Vaccine Schedule Overhaul Ignores Science; ‘Free Births’ Are Risky Consequence Of Medical Distrust https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/viewpoints-vaccine-schedule-overhaul-ignores-science-free-births-are-risky-consequence-of-medical-distrust/